Nurse steps into the ring for charity

A Crewe nurse is swapping the ward for the boxing ring in a bid to raise money for her local hospital and mental health trust.

Ward Manager Claire Smith has agreed to take part in her first ever charity boxing match as part of fundraising for Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT).

Claire, who works on the Planned Intervention Unit (PIU) at Leighton Hospital, is also boxing for CWP after the Trust supported her son Matthew in managing his autism.

After months of intense training with dedicated volunteers at South Cheshire Amateur Boxing Club, Claire will finally take part in her first Pink Collar Boxing event in Warrington later this month. She said: “I’m nervous, but I know I’m fighting for two very worthy causes.

“The PIU team provide important IV interventions and transfusions as part of a day service that allows many local people to spend more time at home with their loved ones.

“Meanwhile, the care my family has received from CWP’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) has been amazing.

“The team at CWP were supportive of our whole family and the difference they made to Matthew’s life in just a few weeks was unbelievable.”

Claire is currently training and sparring four times per week and has not consumed alcohol since November. She said: “It’s been hard. But every day is hard for Matthew because of his autism.

“He is my ultimate motivation and I want to show him that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.”

Claire’s fight will take place at Pink Collar Boxing’s event at The Royal Park Hotel in Warrington at 3pm on Sunday 26th February. For more information, or to make a donation, please email Claire at claire.dave96@gmail.com

To find out more about CAMHS support in your area please search ‘CAMHS’ at www.cwp.nhs.uk

Photo:Claire Smith (centre) with colleagues on the Planned Intervention Unit at Leighton Hospital in Crewe